Logging operator fined $80K over death of employee

A Gisborne-based logging transport operator has been fined $80,000 and ordered to pay reparations of $100,000 in relation to the death of a contractor who was fatally run over during his first day on the job. James Walter Beau Thompson pleaded guilty to one charge under the Health and Safety in Employment Act for…

Law Society supports new approach to justice sector investment

The New Zealand Law Society supports the Government's Social Investment approach to the criminal justice system, to better protect the vulnerable in our society. Justice Minister Amy Adams this week announced details of the Government initiative. Law Society President Kathryn Beck says the plan could benefit many members of New Zealand communities who often struggle to stick…

NZLS suggests amendment to draft ACC legal aid guideline

Not delaying an Accident Compensation appeal in the District Court when one party has not had their legal aid application determined is inconsistent with the principles of access to justice, the New Zealand Law Society says. The Law Society has released its comments on the Draft Guidelines to Practice and Procedure…

Lawyers to benefit from agreement on health assessment access

The New Zealand Law Society and Vitality Works New Zealand have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will allow New Zealand's lawyers to use an online health assessment resource which has been developed by Vitality Works. The MOU has been signed by Law Society President Kathryn Beck and Vitality Works New Zealand Business Manager Clara Budd…

Angela Heather Bean censured and suspended

Former lawyer Angela Heather Bean has admitted two charges of misconduct before the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. Ms Bean accepted a cash payment of $2,500 from a client without the knowledge or authorisation of her law firm. She took $2,000 of the $2,500 for herself and raised an invoice for the remaining $500.…

Clarity needed in land disposal income tax laws

The New Zealand Law Society has recommended that changes to income tax law relating to land acquired for disposal should be clarified. Commenting on a draft Inland Revenue Department Question We've Been Asked Income Tax – Land Acquired for a Purpose or With an Intention of Disposal the Law Society said it would be helpful…

Gold bullion tax law interpretation inconsistent, NZLS says

It cannot always be assumed that people who purchase gold bullion do so for the purpose of disposal, the New Zealand Law Society says. Commenting on the Inland Revenue Department's draft Question We've Been Asked: PUB00227: Income Tax – Are proceeds from the sale of gold income? (the QWBA) the Law Society says it disagrees…

New Zealand Law Society elects four new Vice-Presidents

The New Zealand Law Society has elected four Vice-Presidents. The Vice-Presidents are elected for a two-year term and, with the President, make up the Law Society's Board, which acts as the executive body of the Law Society. Each Vice-President represents a Law Society branch or group of branches. Tim Jones has been elected Vice-President, Auckland. He…

New Law Society President takes office

Auckland based employment lawyer, Kathryn Beck has begun her role as the 30th New Zealand Law Society President. Ms Beck is the third woman President to have been elected and has over 25 years of practical legal experience.   Kathryn Beck, New Zealand Law Society President.  Among the key issues she'll focus on will include retaining and…

Shane Alan Rohde censured

Auckland lawyer Shane Alan Rohde has been censured by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. Mr Rohde admitted  a charge of having been convicted of offences punishable by imprisonment which reflect on his fitness to practise or tend to bring the legal profession into disrepute. He had been convicted of driving with excess…